Category: Condiments

Cheese dip has a variety of uses but it’s best known as a dip for nachos. Cheese dip and nachos go together like two peas in a pod. Together, they make a fantastic snack during a get-together or movie nights! But what if you have leftover cheese dip or you made too much dip? Can you freeze nacho dip?

You’d think cheese dip won’t keep well in the freezer because it has dairy in it. Dairy products have the tendency to lose their original textures once they’ve been frozen and defrosted. Luckily, cheese dip does keep well in the freezer as long as it is prepped right.

The problem with keeping leftover cheese dip is that 1) bits of nacho chips get mixed into the cheese sauce and 2) some will double dip. This can be problematic because all these increase the risk of bacterial growth. If you made a too-large batch of cheese dip, our advice is to divide the dip into serving portions. This way, you have control over the amount of dip you serve to guests and minimize the risk of contamination.

When kept in the fridge, cheese dip will keep for 4 to 6 days. But when kept in the freezer, it should last for 4 to 6 months. Below is a step-by-step guide on how can you freeze cheese dip properly:

How to Freeze Cheese Dip?

Cheese dip is best frozen when it doesn’t contain bits of nacho chips in it or any other food. If you’re making cheese dip from scratch and prepping some of it for freezing, wait until the cheese sauce has been cooled completely.

Once the cheese dip has cooled down, it’s ready for prepping. Start by dividing the cheese into small serving portions. This way, you won’t have to defrost the whole container for a small serving of cheese dip. Defrosting frozen cheese dip repeatedly will shorten its shelf life.

Use small resealable plastic bags to pack the cheese dip into manageable portions. Just spoon the dip into your desired container, leaving about an inch or two of space before sealing. Get a marker and write the storage date then stick in the freezer.

If you bought cheese dip packed in plastic containers, there’s no need to repack the product for freezing. Just stick the unopened pack of cheese dip in the freezer. For canned or bottled cheese dip, you’ll need to transfer the product to a freezer-safe container first.

How to Defrost and Reheat Cheese Dip?

To thaw the frozen cheese dip, just transfer the container from the freezer to the fridge. Leave the cheese dip to thaw for several hours to overnight. Sometimes the ingredients of the cheese dip will separate or the consistency will become watery when thawed. This is normal. You can restore the original consistency of the dip through reheating.

To reheat the cheese dip, pour the dip into a skillet and heat over low. Stir frequently so the dip won’t stick to the bottom of the sauce pan. After simmering, the cheese dip is ready to use. You can also reheat the dip in the microwave. Microwave on high for 20 seconds, whisk the dip, then microwave again if needed.

Summary

Storing cheese dip in the freezer is convenient because you can make quick snacks anytime. Now that you know how can you freeze cheese dip, there’s absolutely no need to worry about wasting product when you buy the dip in bulk!

Nothing completes a morning cuppa joe than a serving of creamer. Coffee creamer comes in two types, dairy, and nondairy liquid or powder creamer. Can you freeze coffee creamer? Yes, you can freeze coffee creamer. While liquid creamer is commonly frozen to extend its shelf life, powder creamer can be frozen too. Liquid creamers tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to nondairy powder creamer because they’re often made with dairy.

The main issue with freezing any powdered product is that the powder tends to clump together. But since powder creamer will dissolve in hot liquid regardless if it’s frozen or not, freezing this product should be fine.

Unopened powdered creamer will keep well in the pantry for weeks. But if it’s nearing its expiry date, freezing will extend its shelf life. When kept in the freezer, any creamer will keep for 6 months or so. This goes the same for liquid creamers too. Here is a step by step guide on how can you freeze coffee creamer:

How to Freeze Coffee Creamer?

When it comes to freezing any type of coffee creamer, it’s best to divide the product into single serving portions. A couple of ice cube trays make a perfect container for the creamer. For liquid coffee creamer, just pour an ample amount of the product into the ice trays. The amount should be enough for a regular cup of coffee. Cover the ice trays with aluminum foil, stick in the freezer, and leave the coffee creamer to freeze for about 2 to 3 hours.

Prepare several resealable plastic bags while waiting for the coffee creamer to freeze. Once the coffee creamer is frozen into cubes, take the ice tray out of the fridge, pop each one and place them into the plastic bag. When the bag is full of cubed coffee creamer, give the bag a good squeeze to remove excess air and then seal. With a marker, write the storage date and stick in the freezer. This freezing prep can be applied for powdered coffee creamers too.

If you’d like to freeze an entire container of coffee creamer (opened or unopened) without dividing the product into serving portions, you can too. Just pour the contents into a resealable plastic bag. Do not fill the bag, leave about an inch or two of space to let the product expand as it freezes. Write the storage date on the bag using a marker and stick in the freezer. Since you’re freezing a whole container of coffee creamer, you have to consume the entire thing within 2 to 3 days after thawing for optimal flavor.

How to Defrost Coffee Creamer?

To defrost the coffee creamer, simply transfer the container from the freezer to the fridge. Leave the creamer to thaw for several hours. That said, there’s absolutely no need to wait for frozen coffee creamer to thaw because it’s usable as is. With a steaming cup of coffee, simply drop the frozen cube of coffee creamer directly. This goes regardless if the coffee creamer is in powder or liquid form. Just stir the coffee well so the cubed creamer dissolves quickly. Of course, putting frozen creamer directly into a cup of coffee may cool the coffee. If you want your coffee to be piping hot, go ahead and thaw the creamer first.

Summary

For most people, coffee creamer is a staple. If you love shopping in bulk and bought too many bottles of coffee creamers, freezing these products will extend their shelf life until you’re ready to use them. Now that you know how can you freeze coffee creamer, go ahead and keep your stash in the freezer for future uses?

Vinegar is an all-around condiment used for a variety of purposes. You can cook with it, use it as a flavoring for dips or even clean/deodorize the home. Suffice it to say, you can’t have too much vinegar at home. But if say, you bought bottles of the stuff, can you freeze vinegar?

As with all types of liquid products, you can freeze vinegar. The freezing point of vinegar is about 28 degrees so it’ll keep in any freezer. Vinegar will keep fresh for a long, long time regardless if it’s kept in the freezer or not. Some researchers even claim that vinegar’s shelf life is indefinite.

Freezing it may decrease the acidity of the vinegar. That being said, leaving a bottle of vinegar that’s about to hit its expiry date sitting in the pantry will also decrease its acidity. That’s because as the acetic acid decomposes, the acidity decreases too.

The main issue with freezing vinegar is the dilution of its acidity and flavor. The acidity of vinegar will change over time. You can store vinegar in the freezer but most chefs do not recommend it. My suggestion is to use frozen vinegar in cooking but not when you’re pickling. Here is a step by step guide on how can you freeze vinegar:

How to Freeze Vinegar?

One thing is for certain, you cannot freeze bottled vinegar. Glass has the tendency to shatter at freezing temperature. If you’re freezing bottled vinegar, it’s best to transfer the product into a rigid plastic container, one that comes with an airtight lid. Just pour the vinegar into the container, leaving about an inch or two of space. The extra space gives the liquid enough room to expand as it freezes.

After pouring the product into the container, wrap with cling wrap to prevent leaks and then cover with the airtight lid. As an added step, seal the lid with tape. To ensure that the acidity of the vinegar remains the same, keep the temperature at a steady 28 degree Fahrenheit.

If say, you are only freezing leftover vinegar, you can use an ice cube tray to freeze the product. Just pour the vinegar into the ice cube tray then stick in the freezer. Leave the vinegar to freeze for 6 to 12 hours. Then, cover the ice tray in cling wrap and stick in the freezer. You could also pop the frozen vinegar cubes, place them in a resealable plastic container, seal, and then place them back in the freezer.

How to Defrost Frozen Vinegar?

Unless you’re using the frozen vinegar as a dip or as part of a marinade, there’s no need to defrost frozen vinegar when used in cooking. Simply add a proper portion of frozen vinegar directly into the dish you’re cooking. But for dips or seasonings, simply transfer a container of frozen vinegar from the freezer to the fridge. Leave the vinegar to thaw overnight. For faster thawing, try submerging the (airtight) container in a bowl of tap water. It should be ready within a couple of hours.

Summary

Vinegar is tricky to freeze, not all experts recommend it, but still, there is a way to store this product in the freezer. Freezing will extend the shelf life of vinegar that’s about to expire! Now that you know how can you freeze vinegar, you can preserve your stash whenever needed.

Kimchi is a Korean condiment made from shredded cabbages pickled in spices and seasonings. This condiment is often served as a side dish as well as ingredients to other dishes. For instance, kimchi is added to ‘slaws, burgers, soups, fried rice and even quesadillas. Suffice it to say, kimchi is one versatile condiment.

Traditionally, kimchi is stored in a large clay pot that’s been buried in the ground. The cool ground temperature allows the kimchi to ferment and develop stronger flavors.

Kimchi has a long shelf life because it’s been salt-pickled. That said, it could still go bad when exposed to indoor air for too long. In fact, leftover kimchi will keep in the fridge for only 5 to 7 days. When kept in the freezer, leftover kimchi will keep for 2 to 3 months. That said, some Koreans believe kimchi never goes bad, it only ripens.

Still, never leave leftover kimchi sitting at room temperature for long. When you have leftovers, keep in the fridge immediately to limit exposure to air.

A sign that kimchi has “gone bad” is if takes on a too-sour taste. Now, kimchi that’s gone bad isn’t completely unusable. You can still use it in cooking. You can mix it in pancake batter, fried rice, or tofu stew.

The only time you should throw kimchi is if mold starts growing on it or it is starting to produce pungent odor. If say, you have a lot of kimchi in your hands, here is a step by step guide on how can you freeze kimchi:

How to Freeze Kimchi?

For bottled kimchi, it’s not a good idea to stick the bottle straight in the freezer. The glass bottle will shatter as the kimchi freezes. It’s best to repackage the kimchi in manageable servings using heavy duty plastic bags or even freezer-safe rigid containers. Just make sure the container is airtight to prevent freezer burn.

Water crystals could form into exposed or poorly packed kimchi and they will dilute the flavors of the condiment once it’s defrosted. Also, the melted water crystals will turn the kimchi soggy.

Using a clean spoon, spoon the product into the plastic container or plastic bag. If you’re using resealable plastic bags, squeeze as much air as you could before sealing the bag. Get a marker, label the package with the storage date and stick in the freezer.

The same method goes for homemade kimchi and leftover kimchi. Just pack the condiment in manageable portions before sticking in the freezer. This way, the kimchi won’t get soggy during thawing. For store-bought plastic-wrapped and unopened kimchi, you can stick the product directly in the freezer. If the pack’s been opened, you can either transfer the kimchi in a resealable container or seal the original packaging before sticking in the freezer.

How to Defrost Kimchi?

To defrost frozen kimchi, just transfer the product from the freezer to the fridge. Leave the condiment to thaw for several hours. The key here is to thaw the kimchi slowly to reduce flavor or texture changes. Since kimchi is traditionally served cold, you can enjoy this popular condiment as soon as it’s thawed completely. On the other hand, you can add frozen kimchi directly into cooking if say, you’re using it for stews and soups.

Summary

Kimchi is the perfect condiment for rich dishes because of its distinct acidity. It complements all types of foods particularly grilled meats and Korean barbecue! Now that you know how can you freeze kimchi, you can store this delicious condiment for future uses so you’ll never run out.

Can you freeze ketchup? You might not know this, but ketchup is one of the best condiments to freeze because it keeps so well in extremely low temperature. As a staple condiment, most households have bottles of ketchup in the pantry. Although this condiment has a long shelf life, you can extend the shelf life of ketchup that is nearing its expiry date by freezing it.

People freeze ketchup for different reasons. Some do it because they use ketchup sparingly, others buy in bulk. An unopened bottle of ketchup will keep for 2 years. Kept in the fridge, an opened bottle of ketchup will keep fresh for a year. When kept in the freezer, ketchup will keep indefinitely.

The great thing about freezing ketchup is that there’s little change in the flavor once it’s defrosted. However, there is a good chance that the consistency will be thinner but it’s still usable. Ketchup is high in water so it freezes like ice. By the time it’s defrosted, the ingredients will start separating and the consistency is not the same as a freshly opened bottle of ketchup. If this is the case, give the defrosted ketchup a good stir to incorporate the ingredients. Here is a step by step guide on how can you freeze ketchup:

How to Freeze Ketchup?

Just like any type of food, ketchup is prone to freezer burn so pack the condiment properly for long-term storage. Never freeze whole bottles of ketchup, except those packed in plastic bottles. Again, ketchup has high water content. Freezing it in its original packaging will cause the bottle to explode as the liquid within the condiment freezes! For ketchup kept in a squeeze or plastic bottle, just stick the product in the freezer, no prep needed.

But if you’re freezing ketchup in smaller batches or in single serving portions, you can use a silicon mold or an ice tray to do this. Just pour the ketchup into the mold or tray, making sure each slot is filled evenly. Give the silicon mold or ice tray a gentle shake to keep the surface even then stick in the freezer.

Wait for an hour or two until the ketchup is frozen solid. Then, take the ice cube tray or silicone mold out and either place the container in a large, heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. To keep the condiment in single serving portion, pop the frozen ketchup and then place them one by one in a large plastic bag. Either way, the plastic bag will protect the condiment from freezer burn and moisture exposure.

You can also use a rigid plastic container in place of a resealable plastic bag to pack the frozen ketchup. Label the container with the storage date, stick the whole thing back in the freezer and you’re done! Whenever you need a serving of ketchup, you can simply take a couple of portion out instead of defrosting the whole container.

How to Defrost Frozen Ketchup?

To defrost frozen ketchup, just transfer the condiment from the freezer to your kitchen counter. Leave the product to thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. Once it’s thawed, there’s a good chance that separation to set in or the consistency will turn runny. This is normal.

Give the ketchup a good stir to incorporate the ingredients again. The ketchup is now ready to use. The same thing goes for frozen ketchup kept in squeeze bottles. Just give the container a good shake to mix the ketchup to the right consistency.

Ketchup has a long shelf life but there are times when you need to freeze this popular condiment to prevent waste or spoilage. Now that you know how can you freeze ketchup, you can store excess condiment in the freezer without worrying about flavor changes after thawing.

Jams make whipping up a quick snack oh so easy, which is great if you’ve got hungry kids who have a massive sweet tooth! On their own, fruit jams can keep for a long, long time because the sugars prevent bacterial growth that causes spoilage. However, you can freeze jam to extend its shelf life too!

Freezing jams allows you to enjoy your favorite sandwich spreads all year long, particularly those that are made from seasonal fruits.

When frozen properly, jams will keep fresh for up to 12 months but we recommend consuming your batch within six months or less for best results. Jams that are kept in the freezer for too long will start losing character and intensity. In addition, the consistency will turn watery, which could be off-putting for some people.

How to Freeze Jams?

The best way to freeze jams is to keep them in thick, sturdy glass jars or rigid, freezer-safe plastic containers. For homemade jams, you want to cool the fruit spread at room temperature prior to transferring to a glass jar.

When filling the jar, leave about half an inch of space from the top to allow the jam to expand as it freezes. Never overfill the container because the frozen jam could spill out of the container as it expands. Finally, close the container with an airtight lid and stick in the freezer.

How to Defrost Frozen Jam?

There are two ways to defrost frozen jam, you can do it slowly or you can thaw quickly if you are pressed for time:

Slow Thawing

The best way to defrost frozen ham is to transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and leave it to thaw overnight.

Fast Thawing

If you’re in a rush, try submerging the frozen solid jar of jam in a basin of warm water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. It’s important to note that once the jam has been defrosted, you should consume it and never refreeze.

Freezing jams and jellies mean you can whip up quick snacks and add a dash of sweetness to your favorite pies and desserts. You can also store more jams to give away to friends and loved ones. Now that you know how to freeze jams properly, you can extend the life of your favorite sweet spread!

Nutella is a classic hazelnut and chocolate spread with a lot of uses, especially in baking. Unsurprisingly, this American favorite is a hit among kids that’s why it’s always a good idea to keep a bottle or two in handy. While Nutella can keep for several months at room temperature, it can go rancid because it’s made from nut fat and dairy. You can freeze Nutella to avoid spoilage.

According to Nutella’s website, this product should not be kept in the fridge much more frozen to extend its shelf life. However, any food can be frozen and Nutella is no exemption. So yes, you can freeze Nutella to help boost its longevity but after defrosting, the consistency won’t be the same. Still, there’s a trick to keep its smooth consistency after freezing.

How to Freeze Nutella?

There are two ways to freeze Nutella, one is to stick the product directly into the freezer or transferring it to a different container prior to freezing.

Freezing Unopened Nutella

You can stick the spread in the freezer while kept in its original packaging. Since Nutella is packed in a plastic container, it won’t break as the material freezes.

Freezing Opened Nutella

If you’re planning to store a large amount of Nutella, we recommend opting for a large plastic container. On the other hand, use small plastic bags if you’re only using a dollop of Nutella or two at a time.

To transfer Nutella to another container, simply spoon the nut spread in a freezer safe plastic bag with an airtight lid and seal it very well. Once it’s ready, just stick the spread in the freezer until it’s ready to use. When you need Nutella, just get a bag or two and defrost away.

How to Defrost Nutella?

Because it’s largely made of nut butters and chocolate, Nutella will harden when frozen just like a stick of butter or a chocolate bar. And once you thaw it, Nutella becomes very soft. The proper way to defrost Nutella is to leave it to thaw at room temperature for several hours.

When it’s thawed completely, Nutella’s consistency might be on the watery side. In some cases, the nut oils will separate from the chocolate solids. To restore its smoothness, get a whisk and start whipping the spread vigorously. The introduction of air into the spread should give Nutella body, restoring its texture once more.

Summary

Nutella is a fabulous treat, especially if you have chocoholic kids. Now that you know how to properly freeze and thaw Nutella, you can keep more of this beloved chocolate spread in the fridge and turn it into a delicious treat any time!

Can you freeze mayonnaise? Mayonnaise is perhaps one of the most popular egg-based dressings and it’s typically used as condiment, dressing, thickener, and binder in cooking. Because it’s made with eggs, this dressing spoils easily even when it’s kept in the fridge. While it’s an unusual practice, you can always freeze mayonnaise to prolong its shelf life.

However, since mayo is an emulsion, there’s a good chance that freezing it will cause the ingredients to break down. The ingredients may also separate, and appear less than appetizing. But we’ve found a trick that will help maintain its texture even after it’s been frozen solid.

How to Freeze Mayonnaise?

The eggs, oil, and vinegar/lemon juice in plain mayonnaise are likely to speed up spoilage, more so if you’ve been double dipping in a jar of mayo. If you have to freeze mayonnaise, you have to act fast! The proper way to freeze mayonnaise is using freezer-safe sterilized glass bottles. To sterilize the glass jar, just submerge it in a pot of water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes.

Then, get a clean spoon, scoop enough of the dressing to fill the glass jar, giving an inch of space for the mayonnaise to expand when it’s frozen. Remove as much air as you could from the jar, seal it and then stick it in the fridge.

Frozen mayonnaise should keep for about 5 to 6 days. Store-bought mayonnaise keeps longer than its homemade counterpart because the ingredients are stabilized to extend its shelf life.

How to Defrost Frozen Mayonnaise?

The best way to thaw frozen mayonnaise is removing it from the freezer and letting it sit at the lowest portion of the fridge until the mayo has softened.

Although plain mayonnaise will hold its original form when it is frozen, it will break down once it is thawed. The oil is likely to separate from the emulsion so the liquid will sit on top of the dressing, giving an unappetizing appearance. If you used store-bought mayo, the separation won’t be as severe. If separation occurs, you can either get rid of the excess liquid or re-emulsify the mayo.

To re-emulsify the mayonnaise, pour the contents of the jar in a mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, whip the dressing to a high speed for several seconds. If the dressing did not emulsify well, try gradually adding the mayo into the bowl one tablespoon at a time.

Freezing Mayonnaise FAQs

Can you freeze mayonnaise sandwich?

While you can freeze different types of sandwiches, we do not recommend freezing those made with mayonnaise unless left with no choice. Apart from being temperature sensitive, the bread could turn soggy when drenched with any kind of creamy condiment. Also, mayonnaise has the tendency to separate once thawed, which will affect the texture of the sandwich too.

Our advice is to skip the creamy dressings and condiments until you are ready to serve the sandwiches. But if say, you have leftover sandwiches and freezing is the only way to extend their shelf life, do it but don’t expect the taste or appearance of the sandwich to remain the same after thawing.

You need to use a resealable sandwich bag to store the sandwiches in the freezer. Just pop the sandwich in the bag, squeezing out as much air as you can before sealing. Write the storage date then get a larger storage bag. Place all the packed sandwiches inside the large freezer bag then seal. Store flat in the freezer. Eat the sandwich in 3 months or less for optimal flavor and quality.

Can you freeze egg mayonnaise?

Egg mayonnaise is not meant to be frozen at all. Eggs are quite temperature sensitive, the risk of cross-contamination and bacterial growth is high when the mayonnaise is left to thaw for long periods of time. The taste of the mayo could also change after it’s been frozen and defrosted. It’s worth noting that mayonnaise is made with oil too. As the frozen mayonnaise thaws, the liquids and solids could split, causing the condiment to curdle.

Can you freeze mayonnaise in a casserole?

Yes, you can freeze casseroles with mayonnaise although the appearance of the dish and its consistency may change after defrosting. Since mayonnaise is prone to splitting, the casserole could take on a clumpy appearance and develop a grainy texture. If you don’t mind these changes at all then freeze the casserole. We recommend using an airtight container when freezing the dish. The airtight container will prevent moisture from seeping into the dish, causing freezer burns or frost.

To freeze the casserole, just spoon the dish carefully into the airtight container. Do not fill the container to the brim, leave about an inch of space. Cover the container with cling wrap then seal with the airtight lid. Write the storage date then stick in the freezer.

Can you freeze chicken salad made with mayonnaise?

Freezing chicken salad is possible but there are certain factors you need to consider, which we’ve outlined in this guide.

Summary

Don’t expect mayonnaise to retain its original texture after freezing or re-emulsifying it. Once defrosted, mayonnaise will have a thinner texture but it is still safe to eat. Now that you know how to freeze mayonnaise, you can go ahead and freeze a jar or two for salads, sandwiches, and soups!

Can you freeze sauerkraut? People often ask if sauerkraut is freezable to help retain its freshness longer. The simple answer to this question is yes. But back in the old days, it was kept in jars on the countertop and scooped out when necessary as a condiment topping.

Today, many people worry about food poisoning occurring from leaving sauerkraut out. This is where the question of, “sauerkraut freeze safely,” came about.

Sauerkraut occurs by fermenting cabbage with lactic acid bacteria. The lactic acid reacting with the sugars in the shredded cabbage is what causes the distinct sour flavor you enjoy. Sauerkraut is useful as a condiment upon all kinds of foods such as hot dogs, burgers, Reuben sandwiches, and even soups.

Many people eat this satisfyingly tasty food not only because of its unique flavor, but because it helps add beneficial bacteria to their digestion system that helps keep it healthy and functioning properly.

Sauerkraut does retain flavor and a longer shelf life when frozen, but again it must be frozen when fresh. Overall, it is not recommended to freeze sauerkraut because most open jars of the fermented food can last safely in the refrigerator for a couple months at a time before spoiling.

You really only need to freeze sauerkraut when you have an overwhelming amount you know you cannot possibly eat up by the use by date or in a reasonable amount of time. Below is our guide on how can you freeze sauerkraut.

How to Freeze Sauerkraut?

If you have a heaping amount of homemade or store-bought sauerkraut you want to freeze it is best you do it the day you make it, or the day you open the store bought the container it came in. However, since sauerkraut has a quite long shelf life in the fridge, there shouldn’t be any issues if you decide to freeze it a few days or even weeks after opening the container or jar. Just make sure the sauerkraut is fine to eat when you decide to freeze it and things should go just fine.

The way you freeze extra sauerkraut is by scooping it into freezer safe containers and sealing the containers shut tightly. After, place a label with the date you are freezing the sauerkraut onto the container. Then, place the sauerkraut in the freezer to help preserve its shelf life.

Sauerkraut is capable of staying well preserved this way for up to 6-months, but for quality reasons it is recommended to use it up within the first month or two.

Freezing Cooked Sauerkraut

Love making sauerkraut at home? You can freeze this dish with relative ease. Homemade sauerkraut made with little liquids is best suited for freezing. The reduced liquids mean the quality of the vegetable won’t be altered once the side dish has been thawed.

To freeze cooked sauerkraut, just spoon the dish into a resealable plastic bag. If you want to make thawing easier, we highly suggest dividing a large batch of cooked sauerkraut into single serving portions. After spooning the sauerkraut in the plastic bag, squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Write the storage date then stick flat in the freezer.

How to Defrost Frozen Sauerkraut?

There are a few ways one can go about defrosting sauerkraut:

Overnight in the fridge. If sauerkraut is defrosted in the fridge, it can be stored there for additional 3-5 days before using.

Microwave. Make sure you use the defrost feature and run the microwave in small (10-30 seconds) increments until it’s fully defrosted. Use right away.

On the countertop. It takes a few hours to defrost sauerkraut on the countertop, depending on the size of the container or bag. To speed up the process you can transfer the bag into cold water. Use immediately.

Throw directly into a cooked dish. If you’re using the sauerkraut in a cooked dish, there’s usually no need to defrost it first. Just throw it in frozen and add a few minutes to the cooking time to account for defrosting.

Freezing Sauerkraut FAQ

Can You Freeze Sauerkraut and Pork?

Although raw or freshly made sauerkraut is best suited for freezing, there is no need to throw out cooked sauerkraut with pork because it is safe to freeze this dish. But since this side dish is cooked, you should freeze it as soon as it has cooled down. To freeze pork and sauerkraut, just spoon the dish into a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. If you’re using a bag, squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Write the storage date then stick flat in the freezer. If you want to make thawing easier, we highly suggest dividing a large batch of cooked sauerkraut into single serving portions. Also, try to strain some of the liquids to preserve the crunch of the vegetables. When it comes to reheating, baking in the oven or using a non-stick frying pan would be the best options.

Can You Freeze Sauerkraut and Kielbasa (Sausage)?

Similarly to sauerkraut and pork, there’s no reason not to freezer sauerkraut and sausage. Once the dish has cooled, divide the leftovers into as many portions as you need and transfer them into freezer bags. Label the bags with name and date if needed, then put them into the freezer. Reheat on a non-stick frying pan. Before reheating I’d suggest thawing it on the countertop for an hour or so. This way it’s partly defrosted and it’s much easier not to burn this dish on the frying pan.

Does Freezing Sauerkraut Kill Good Bacteria (Probiotics)?

Fermented foods like sauerkraut are teeming with beneficial bacteria called probiotics. These microbes aid in digestion and promote better health. A 4 to 6 ounce serving of sauerkraut contains trillions of probiotics. But if you made a large batch of sauerkraut, does freezing affect the live culture in the side dish?

There is conflicting information about this issue. Although probiotics are temperature sensitive and the possibility that these beneficial bacteria could die once frozen is high, they won’t be wiped out completely once the sauerkraut is frozen and thawed. Freezing the sauerkraut will only enhance the killing of the probiotics but some of them could survive the cold temps by lying dormant. It is worth noting, however, that the lactic acid in sauerkraut could kill probiotics in storage.

Summary

Although freezing sauerkraut is a little tricky, it can be done. After all, any type of food can be frozen. Now that you know how can you freeze sauerkraut, you can preserve your favorite side dish and extend its shelf life. Just make sure to keep the extra steps outlined in this post in mind for better results.

Can you freeze peanut butter? While peanut butter naturally has a long shelf life, there might be times when you can consider freezing it.

If you’re leaving the country for a few months and there’s a half empty jar of peanut butter in the fridge, freezing seems like a good idea.

If you make your own peanut butter and would prefer to make a larger batch, freezing some of it is an obvious choice.

Or maybe you’re trying out a different diet that doesn’t allow you to eat peanut butter. If that’s the case, I suggest you toss out the peanut butter for the sake of your diet. But not everyone can afford to do that, so freezing comes up as a solution.

Can You Freeze Peanut Butter?

Store-bought closed peanut butter has a shelf life of 18 months if stored at room temperature. Once it’s opened, it should be fine for at least 3 to 5 months. Natural peanut butter should be fine for about half a year if stored in the fridge. That means peanut butter is among the products with a really long shelf life. But if you need even more time, freezing is an option.

Freezing for a few weeks won’t change much in terms of taste or consistency. But if you freeze peanut butter the long term, like more than half a year, it will slowly deteriorate in taste. In other words, the shorter it is in the freezer, the better.

How to Freeze Peanut Butter?

There are no multi-step processes for freezing peanut butter. The process is as straightforward as it gets. In short, transfer peanut butter into the freezer and keep it in there for how long it is needed.

If your jar of peanut butter is almost full, you can just chuck it into the freezer. If it’s half empty or less, consider transferring the peanut butter into a smaller freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Usually they take less space in the freezer. Go with what’s most convenient for your needs.

Three tips for freezing. First, if you’re using a bag or container make sure to label it with a name and current date for future reference. Second, make sure that the jar, container, or freezer bag is tightly sealed before tossing it into the freezer. Third, if you’re using a freezer bag, remember to squeeze out all air before sealing it.

Another options is to freeze foods that contain peanut butter, like cookies or sandwiches. Many companies make frozen peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There are also many desserts that are made to be frozen. Or you can make a bunch of sandwiches ahead of time and thaw them as needed.

That’s about it when it comes to freezing peanut butter. In theory you can keep it in the freezer indefinitely, as frozen products don’t go bad. But please remember the longer it’s in the freezer, the worse it will be when thawed.

How to Thaw Peanut Butter?

As the peanut butter gets cold, it will firm up and become more difficult (or impossible) to spread. Because of that you will need to warm it up before using it.

When it comes to thawing, you can thaw it on the counter. There’s no benefit in thawing the fridge as opposed to many other products. Please note that thawing (or warming up) can take up to 24 hours, so plan accordingly. To speed up the process, you can toss the container or bag into warm water, but it won’t make that big of a difference.

In some cases, depending on the ingredients of your peanut butter, some of the oil might separate once thawed. This will affect the appearance and the texture of the peanut butter, but it is still safe to eat. To fix this problem stir it vigorously. This will reconstitute the peanut butter.

Even though some people say you can freeze and thaw peanut butter multiple times, don’t do that. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you thaw something, you either eat it or discard it. No refreezing. Refreezing significantly increases the risk of food poisoning so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Summary
In most cases it is not necessary to freeze peanut butter. It has a long enough shelf life so in almost all cases you should be able to eat it in time. If that’s not the case, freezing is an option. If you decide to freeze peanut butter, remember to thaw it ahead of time. Taking it from the freezer and spreading on a sandwich right away isn’t going to work out.